A crime family who supplied class A drugs have been jailed for a total of nine years.

Brothers Paul, Sean and Lee McIlvenny were the leaders of a criminal gang involved in the supply of various drugs throughout Tameside.

Following an investigation by the Tameside Organised Crime Team, a number of drugs warrants were executed in Hattersley on Thursday, February 6.

At one address on Bowden Close, police discovered and seized several hundred pounds worth of the class A drug MDMA, hidden in the kitchen of the address, along with drug paraphernalia and a crossbow.

At another address, on Valley Gardens, police seized over £800 worth of MDMA and a quantity of crack cocaine.

Detective Inspector Andrew Sandiford said that the brothers had caused ‘untold misery’ to the community.

He said: “The McIlvenny brothers have supplied a cocktail of drugs throughout Tameside causing untold misery to the community.

“We are committed to tackling organised criminality that impacts on our communities.

“I would like to thank the people of Tameside who continue to provide us with information in order to help in our fight against organised crime.

“I have no doubts the streets of Tameside are a better place now that they are behind bars and their criminal enterprise shattered.

He added: “Greater Manchester Police works tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle anyone involved in organised crime.

“Whether it be foot soldiers or those at the top of the food chain, we will continue our pursuit of anyone involved in this criminality.

“Today’s result should serve as a warning to those who continue to deal drugs on our streets.”

Paul McIlvenny, 33, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to supplying cannabis and the possession of an offensive weapon and today, Friday 29 August 2014, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years at Manchester Crown Court.

Sean McIlvenny, 25, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession with the intention to supply MDMA and was sentenced to two years

Lee McIlvenny, 28, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession with the intention to supply MDMA and crack cocaine and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years.